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160 James Brown Dr • Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-0600
[email protected]

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Posts for: May, 2020

Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?

By Williston Dental Team
May 22, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontic treatment   extraction  
CrazyLittleThingCalledHyperdontia

The movie Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the iconic rock band Queen and its legendary lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury. But when we see pictures of the flamboyant singer, many fans both old and new may wonder—what made Freddie’s toothy smile look the way it did? Here’s the answer: The singer was born with four extra teeth at the back of his mouth, which caused his front teeth to be pushed forward, giving him a noticeable overbite.

The presence of extra teeth—more than 20 primary (baby) teeth or 32 adult teeth—is a relatively rare condition called hyperdontia. Sometimes this condition causes no trouble, and an extra tooth (or two) isn’t even recognized until the person has an oral examination. In other situations, hyperdontia can create problems in the mouth such as crowding, malocclusion (bad bite) and periodontal disease. That’s when treatment may be recommended.

Exactly what kind of treatment is needed? There’s a different answer for each individual, but in many cases the problem can be successfully resolved with tooth extraction (removal) and orthodontic treatment (such as braces). Some people may be concerned about having teeth removed, whether it’s for this problem or another issue. But in skilled hands, this procedure is routine and relatively painless.

Teeth aren’t set rigidly in the jawbone like posts in cement—they are actually held in place dynamically by a fibrous membrane called the periodontal ligament. With careful manipulation of the tooth, these fibers can be dislodged and the tooth can be easily extracted. Of course, you won’t feel this happening because extraction is done under anesthesia (often via a numbing shot). In addition, you may be given a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure.

After extraction, some bone grafting material may be placed in the tooth socket and gauze may be applied to control bleeding; sutures (stitches) are sometimes used as well. You’ll receive instructions on medication and post-extraction care before you go home. While you will probably feel discomfort in the area right after the procedure, in a week or so the healing process will be well underway.

Sometimes, dental problems like hyperdontia need immediate treatment because they can negatively affect your overall health; at other times, the issue may be mainly cosmetic. Freddie Mercury declined treatment because he was afraid dental work might interfere with his vocal range. But the decision to change the way your smile looks is up to you; after an examination, we can help you determine what treatment options are appropriate for your own situation.

If you have questions about tooth extraction or orthodontics, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Simple Tooth Extraction” and “The Magic of Orthodontics.”


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4 Ways to Avoid Dental Disease While Wearing Braces

By Williston Dental Team
May 12, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: orthodontics   oral hygiene  
4WaystoAvoidDentalDiseaseWhileWearingBraces

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy isn't always easy—and it's even more of a challenge if you're wearing orthodontic appliances like braces. That's why a fair percentage of patients wearing braces also contend with tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease.

The reason is simple: The orthodontic hardware makes it difficult to fully reach all parts of teeth surfaces with your toothbrush or floss. As a result, you can miss removing some of the accumulated plaque, the thin film of bacteria and food particles most responsible for dental disease. And it only takes a short amount of time (just days with gum disease) for a bacterial infection to begin.

But while avoiding dental disease is difficult while wearing braces, it's not impossible. Here are 4 ways you can minimize your dental disease risk while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Be diligent with your daily hygiene. Even though it's more difficult, don't slack on daily brushing and flossing. It does require more time to work the brush around and between the wires and brackets, but taking the time will help you clear away more plaque you might otherwise miss. It may also help to switch to a multi-tufted, microfine bristled toothbrush if you're not already using one.

Use a water irrigator. If straight thread flossing is proving too difficult (and even with a floss threader), try using a water irrigator. This device emits a pulsating spray of pressurized water that loosens and flushes away plaque between teeth. Clinical studies consistently show water flossing is effective for reducing plaque in orthodontic patients.

Lower your sugar intake. Sugar left over in the mouth is a prime food source for bacteria that cause tooth decay or gum disease. Reducing sugary foods and snacks can help reduce bacterial populations and lower your disease risk. You can also fortify your oral health with healthier foods that contain calcium and other minerals.

Keep up regular dental visits. In addition to your orthodontic adjustments, don't neglect your regular visits with your family dentist. Semi-annual cleanings help remove any plaque and calculus (calcified plaque) you may have missed. Your dentist can also monitor your health and boost your disease prevention through topical fluoride treatments or prescribed antibacterial mouth rinses.

If you would like more information on dental care while wearing braces, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Caring for Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment.”


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3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health

By Williston Dental Team
May 02, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene  
3SurprisingThingsYouShouldBeDoingtoImproveYourDentalHealth

You already know the basics for healthy and attractive teeth and gums: brush and floss every day; and have your teeth cleaned and checked by a dentist every six months. But there are also some lesser known things you can do to improve what you're already doing—and some of them may go against popular wisdom.

Here then are 3 counter-intuitive tips for turbo-boosting your teeth and gum health.

Avoid brushing too hard and too often. While it may not seem like it, “The more, the better” isn't necessarily a good thing when it comes to brushing your teeth. Vigorous brushing several times a day could actually damage both your teeth enamel and your gums, eventually leading to problems like sensitive teeth. So, easy does it on the brushing pressure—let the mild abrasives in your toothpaste do the work removing disease-causing dental plaque. Likewise, avoid brushing more than twice a day.

Wait on brushing right after eating. If your first instinct right after a meal is to head to the sink to brush your teeth, curb your enthusiasm. Your enamel is actually in a slightly softened state right after eating and drinking because of an increase in mouth acid (especially if you've consumed sodas, sports drinks or juices). Saliva restores the mouth's pH balance and helps remineralize enamel in about an hour. If you brush before then, you could be sloughing off microscopic bits of enamel—an eventual problem if this is a regular habit.

Stop snack “grazing.” If you're one of those that likes to munch on food throughout the day, you could be thwarting your overall efforts to maintain good dental health. Remember saliva? As mentioned, it effectively neutralizes acid in a few minutes. But continuous snacking maintains a constant high level of acid in the mouth—saliva has little chance to catch up. As a result, your mouth stays acidic, which can lead to higher risk of dental disease. If possible, limit your snacking to mealtimes.

These tips might be surprising, but they're based on sound science and research. Incorporating them into your regular, ongoing dental care, could increase your chances of healthy teeth and gums.

If you would like more information on how best to clean and care for your teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “10 Tips for Daily Oral Care at Home.”


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Archive:

  • 2020
      • August (3)
        • Talk With Your Dentist About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
        • A Word to Young Adults: Brushing and Flossing are Key to a Healthy Mouth
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
      • July (4)
        • Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
        • Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
        • Stop Plaque Buildup Around Your Implant-Supported Bridge With Flossing
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • June (3)
        • Whether Before or After Your Wedding Day, It's Always a Good Time to Enhance Your Smile
        • A Little Dairy Can Go a Long Way for Maintaining Healthy Teeth
        • How to Avoid 'White Spot' Decay While Wearing Braces
      • May (3)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • 4 Ways to Avoid Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
      • April (3)
        • If a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
        • Even Celebrities Have Accidents: See What They Do to Restore Their Chipped Teeth
        • Sedation Therapy Can Help Anxious Patients Get the Dental Care They Need
      • March (3)
        • Treating Gum Abscesses and the Underlying Gum Disease
        • Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
      • February (3)
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
        • 4 Supposed Health Dangers in Dental Care That Aren't Dangerous
        • Test Your Expertise in Caring for Your Child's Dental Health With This Short Quiz
      • January (3)
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • You May Need Orthodontics Before Replacing a Missing Tooth
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
        • Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
      • November (3)
        • A Little Orthodontic Magic Could Help an Impacted Tooth Erupt
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (3)
        • 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
      • September (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • The Digital Revolution Is Transforming Implant Therapy
        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
      • August (3)
        • Make Sure Your Kids' Teeth Are Ready for School
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
      • July (3)
        • Taking a Trip Abroad? Do This to Protect Your Dental Health
        • Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • June (3)
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
        • Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
      • May (3)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
      • April (3)
        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
      • March (3)
        • Gum Disease Could be Affecting More Than Just Your Mouth
        • 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • February (3)
        • You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
        • Take Care of Your Gums, Take Care of Your Heart
      • January (3)
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
        • Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Regardless of What You've Seen Online, Don't Fear a Root Canal Treatment
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Dental Visits are Key to Detecting Early Developing Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • October (3)
        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
      • September (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • August (4)
        • Take Care of Your Dental Appliance and It Will Take Care of You
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
        • 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
      • July (3)
        • What's So Special About Dental Implants?
        • A Royal Fix
        • Tips for Picture-Perfect Summer Smiles
      • June (3)
        • Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • May (3)
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
        • Replace Teeth for Better Speech
        • Worried about Your Child's School Snack Choices? Here's What You Can Do
      • April (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
      • March (2)
        • Quitting Smoking Decreases Your Risk of Implant Failure
        • 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
      • February (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
        • White Spots on Your Teeth After Braces May Be An Early Sign of Enamel Loss
      • January (2)
        • Winter Tooth Tips
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
        • If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
      • November (2)
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • October (2)
        • Don't Let Smoking Increase Your Chances of Implant Failure
        • Why You Need a Long-Term Dental Care Plan
      • September (2)
        • Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • August (4)
        • Be Sure to Have a Dental Exam Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • How Dental Bonding Can Help Repair Your Smile
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
      • July (2)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
      • June (3)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • What Can I Do About My Uneven Gums?
        • Loose Adult Teeth Require Immediate Attention and Treatment
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        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
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        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Say Goodbye to Dental Stains
        • A Solution for Restoring Adequate Bone for Dental Implants
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
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        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
        • Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
      • January (3)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Success with Dental Implants Depends on Attention to Detail
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
  • 2016
      • December (3)
        • Choosing a Screw or Cement to Attach an Implant Crown
        • Caring For Your Dental Implants
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • November (2)
        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • October (4)
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • What is Dental Bonding?
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
      • September (2)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Stop Annoying Canker Sores with These Effective Treatments
      • August (3)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Don't Ignore These Potential Signs Of Periodontal Disease
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
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        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • 4 Problem Areas That Could Affect Your Child's Teeth
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
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        • Periodontists Help Your Smile
        • A Crown Could be the Answer to Preserving Your Damaged Tooth
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
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        • Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • April (3)
        • Revitalize Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
        • Get a Handle on Stress-Related Tooth Grinding to Stop Tooth Damage
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • February (3)
        • Office Fluoride Treatments Can Add Extra Protection to Your Child's Teeth
        • Use Veneers to Get the Perfect Smile
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • January (2)
        • Dental Care of Prime Importance for Children with Special Health Needs
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
  • 2015
      • December (3)
        • How Teeth Whitening Can Help Brighten a Faded Smile
        • Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • November (2)
        • 3 Ways to Reduce the Bacteria in Your Mouth that Cause Tooth Decay
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • October (3)
        • What Does a Periodontist Do?
        • Keeping Fluoride to Just the Right Amount Protects Your Family's Smiles
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • September (2)
        • Use Partial Dentures Wisely to Protect Your Future Oral Health
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • August (2)
        • Gingivitis Could Become a More Serious Form of Gum Disease
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • July (3)
        • Keep Your New Smile After Orthodontics with a Retainer
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
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Cosmetic Dentist in Williston, VT
Williston Dental Team
160 James Brown Dr
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-0600

[email protected]

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